Boston Children's Core Equipments

Provide incubation to DiSPIM microscope

Mammalian cell/tissue culture

Mammalian cell/tissue culture

The Singulator 100 system automates the isolation and processing of single cells from tissue samples via microfluidic technology. Maintaining cell viability and integrity, it offers gentle extraction of cells from heterogeneous samples enabling downstream analysis including single cell sequencing and transcriptomics.

For fully automated nucleic acid extraction with QIAGEN spin-column kits. Automates over 80 QIAGEN kits with over 3000 protocols. Allows automated DNA, RNA and protein sample processing. Eliminates manual processing steps. Generates standardized results.

This two-door Laboratory Refrigerator maintains 2-10C with green refrigerants, adaptative defrost, and temperature alarms.

The Bio-Rad C1000 Touch thermal cycler is designed for precise polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. It features flexible ramp rates and a wide temperature range to accommodate various PCR protocols and experimental needs.

The Bionano Compute Server employs innovative computational power to process and analyze intricate genomic data generated by the Bionano Genomics platform. Leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, these advanced algorithms can process optical genome mapping, structural variant detection, and assembly analysis. Additionally, with its automated analysis pipelines, the Bionano Compute server allows for a high number of large genome samples to be run simultaneously.

3-Channel tethered EEG systems with Sirenia Sleep Pro software and IR night vision cameras for sleep scoring.

Mouse embryo micromanipulation and microinjection

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 17 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 17 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 16 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 16 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 16 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 16 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 15 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 15 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Widefield microscope

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 14 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 13 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 13 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Measure Fluorescence Spectra

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 13 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 12 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 12 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

The LUNA-FL Cell Counter fluorescence optics and image analysis for precise cell counting and viability analysis. Using two fluorescence channels and automated analysis, it simultaneously detects multiple stains for live and dead cells.

Hardware for cloud computing

This piece of equipment was funded by ECRAC in cycle 1. Please contact the core for more information.

This piece of equipment was funded by ECRAC in cycle 1. Please contact the core for more information.

This piece of equipment was funded in ECRAC cycle 3. Please contact the core for more information.

The NanoString nCounter Analysis System employs a unique digital barcoding technology to quantitatively measure gene and protein expression in biological samples with high precision and sensitivity. This platform enables simultaneous analysis of multiple targets without the need for additional amplification steps.

Rodent electroretinography

This piece of equipment was funded in ECRAC cycle 6 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Automated collection, measurement and analysis of culture in situ, for short/long term time lapse experiments.

With a spacious 18 × 18 in. platform for high vessel capacity and precisely monitored temperature and speed, MaxQ™ 4000 Benchtop Orbital Shaker is an ideal equipment for E.coli culture.

This piece of equipment was funded in ECRAC cycle 9 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Motorized, live-imaging compatible, inverted microscope for automated high content and confocal applications, including calcium imaging and optogenetics.

The Heracell 240i Incubator, which is equipped with three rows of bottle-turning devices for roller bottles, each with independent speed control, is suitable for scaling up mammalian cell culture.

Nanoliter dispensing of compounds for drug screening/high throughput screening.

Microscope for STED imaging

Diagnostic X-ray exams

The Agilent 4200 TapeStation system is an established automated electrophoresis tool for DNA and RNA sample quality control. This tape station does fully automated sample processing which enables the unattended analysis of size, concentration and integrity

The SAIL MRI lab is equipped with a Bruker BioSpec 70/30 MRI imaging system. This is a 7 T multinuclear MRI system with a 30 cm bore, designed for rabbits, rats and mice imaging. With the maximum gradient strength of 450 mT/m, this system provides high spatial resolution images of live animals or of tissue samples. The system is equipped with 4 RF channel receivers accommodating array coils. The system includes multiple options for specialized applications such as cardiac MRI, functional MRI, dynamic contrast enhanced MRI, diffusion weighted/tensor MRI, ultra-short TE and Zero TE MRI for preclinical and molecular MR imaging. This Bruker 7T is equipped with Animal Monitoring System for the display and analysis of physiological signals during animal scanning and for the synchronization of MR acquisitions by using ECG or respiration triggering signals

The Bruker Albira is a multi-modality, small animal imaging device which combines SPECT, PET and CT into one instrument. For SPECT, there are 2 gamma cameras with CsI detectors combined with either single pinhole or multi-pinhole collimation providing sub-millimeter spatial resolution. The PET component utilizes LYSO crystals and depth-of-interaction technology to provide 1.1 mm spatial resolution with 9% sensitivity. It has an 8 cm transverse field of view and a 14.8 cm axial field of view. On the CT side, it utilizes a x-ray source with a 35 μm focal spot that can operate at 10-50 kVp in conjunction with a 12x12 cm (2400x2400 pixels) detector. Depending on the configuration, it can provide spatial resolution between 40-120 μm.

Partitioning device used to isolate single cells from a cell suspension in “Gel Bead-in-Emulsion” droplets, where nucleic acid of interest is extracted and tagged with a cell-specific barcode for downstream Next-Gen Sequencing library prep and sequencing.

Microvolume UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectrophotometer used for nucleic acid and protein quantification and quality assessment. Additionally capable of Microarray fluorescent labeling QC analysis, as well as Pierce 660, Bradford, BCA, Lowry assays. 8000 model has 8 channels improving speed.

Works with 50 mL conical tubes and 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes

Analyzer measures oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of live cells in a 96-well plate format. These rates are key indicators of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. They provide a systems-level view of cellular metabolic function in cultured cells and ex-vivo samples.

Analysis of cell surface or intracellular proteins or other “markers,” intracellular cytokine production and receptor-mediated endocytosis, sorting, and recycling.

High content live cell imager capable of electrical or optical stimulation and high-speed acquisition with an analysis package designed for quantifying parameters from individual cells within a well

Epifluorescent, brightfield, and phase imaging, image stitching for capturing images larger than one field, automated multiwell plate image sample, structured illumination, live cell imaging with video rate capture and environmental controls and built-in image analysis functions.

Upright microscope with a Pixelink PL-D682CU color CMOS camera for brightfield and epifluorescence imaging.

Laser Scanning Confocal microscope with 6 laser lines (405/458/488/514/561/633nm), Fast Airyscan for near super-resolution confocal imaging, LED epifluorescence and halogen brightfield light sources, temperature controlled enclosure, motorized XY stage, piezo-controlled Z-stage, enabled for confocal, brightfield, and DIC, fixed and live cell imaging.

Confocal imaging of fixed or live samples

High-throughout high-content confocal fluorescence imaging.

functional MRI data collection

BL2 Cell Sorter

Flow Cytometry Analyzer with Plate Reader

Light Sheet Microscope, primary niche is rapid low light dose imaging of 3D objects.

Epifluorescence microscope offering DIC, UV, GFP, RFP, YFP, CFP and CY5 fluorescence.

The Siemens microCAT II is a high-resolution (27 microns in standard mode and 15 microns in high-resolution mode) CT scanner designed specifically for imaging small animals such as mice and rats. The radiation detector is configurable such that, for mice, the transaxial field of view is 5.4 cm and the axial field of view is 8 cm; whereas, for rats, the transaxial field of view is 8 cm and the axial field of view is 5.4 cm. We have utilized microCT for tumor imaging, for anatomical correlation for microPET studies, and for ex vivo imaging (e.g., structural analysis of porcine cardiac valves)

Mechanical allodynia threshold

Provides high quality, high coverage genome with streamlined library preparation using high quality TruSeq library preparation kits.  Single, paired-end, and indexed sequencing with accuracy of > 75% of sequenced bases over Q30.  Enables researchers to interrogate simple prokaryotic and complex eukaryotic genomes quickly and efficiently.

The CFX96 Touch System is a powerful, precise, and flexible real-time PCR detection system. This six-channel (five colors and one FRET channel) real-time PCR instrument combines advanced optical technology with precise temperature control to deliver sensitive, reliable detection for singlexplex or multiplex reactions. Quickly set up runs and monitor amplification traces in real time on the integrated LCD touch screen, or use the included CFX Maestro Software to easily and intuitively design your experiment and analyze results from a connected computer. With up to five-target detection, unsurpassed thermal cycler performance, unrivaled stand-alone functionality, and powerful yet easy-to-use software, the CFX96 Touch System is designed to advance your qPCR.

The nCounter® SPRINT Profiler makes access to NanoString’s molecular barcoding technology more affordable than ever before for RNA, DNA, and protein profiling applications. Digitally examine multiple pathways in a single tube in an extraction-free workflow. Perform your own data analysis using the  nSolver™ Analysis Software. Compatible with difficult sample types, including FFPE tissue. Highly multiplexed analysis of basic cancer biology and pathway deregulation activity. 

Lecia/Zeiss

Microdialysis

Microendoscope fitted with fiber-coupled laser and LED light sources that is used in conjunction with implantable gradient-index (GRIN) lenses

Conscious, unrestrained ECG

Seizure susceptibility, epileptiform abnormalities, circadian disturbances, actigraphy, auditory evoked response potentials; continuous monitoring available for up to 4 months

Attention/working memory/flexibility

The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based digital PCR applications. Most precise and sensitive digital PCR solution for a wide variety of applications.

Short term working memory

Communications

Response to Stress

Emotional response to stimulus/condition

Anxiety/Social Recognition

Anxiety/Cognition

Motor Strength

Forced Activity

Sensorimotor Gating

Visual acuity (brain stem reflex)

Voluntary Activity

This Fortessa is an air-cooled four-laser benchtop flow Cytometer analyzer. It provides our users with the ability to measure up to 12 colors + 2 Scatters. Hydrodynamically focused sample is interrogated within a quartz cuvette flow cell. Sample Aspiration rates at 12ul, 35ul, 60ul per minute.

This LSRFortessa is an air-cooled five-laser benchtop flow Cytometer analyzer. It provides our users with the ability to measure up to 15 colors + 2 Scatters. They are compatible with 96-well U, V, and flat-bottom plates as well as 384-well microtiter plates.

The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based digital PCR applications. Most precise and sensitive digital PCR solution for a wide variety of applications.

The FACSAria cell sorter provides customized speed sorting. This instrument is bl2 certified and equipped with an Aerosol Management option for operator protection.  Well designed for your research needs, the FACSAria allows simultaneous sorting 4 populations.  Collection can be done in tubes or Plate.  Index sorting now provides the option of match single cell profile with Fluorescence Intensity. 

CGH & CGH+SNP Microarray Scanner. The Agilent SureScan Scanner provides a precise and efficient microarray scanner system for many research applications. Designed for research using microarrays, the scanner system provides a laser-induced fluorescence scanning solution designed to read microarrays printed on standard 1 inch by 3 inch glass slides. The Agilent SureScan Scanner provides a precise and efficient microarray scanner system for many research applications. Designed for research using microarrays, the scanner system provides a laser-induced fluorescence scanning solution designed to read microarrays printed on standard 1 inch by 3 inch glass slides.The microarray instrumentation measures the fluorescence intensity of two dyes simultaneously from labeled sample nucleic acid bound to microarrays. The system also enhances productivity with continuous loading from a 24-slide cassette and automatic loading of data files into Feature Extraction Software. It also features built-in ozone protection to minimize signal degradation. 

The Mantis is a medium throughput liquid handler with extremely low dead volume. The liquid handler uses either conventional pipette tips or reagents dispensed from 50 or 15ml Falcon tubes (for continous flow/bulk dispense). The Mantis is ideal for single well dispense of precious reagents. Fully programmable with a simple, yet powerful GUI. Examples of automated protocols using the Mantis within the core. NGS Library Prep (RNA-Seq), Magnetic Bead Dispensing, PCR Master Mix, Precious Reagent Dispensing, Cell Dispensing, PCR Setup.

The Spinnaker robot arm works in conjunction with the two HCS imaging systems and the cytomat 5C hotelling incubator, to provide scheduled autonomous plate imaging capabilities. Book to reserve your inventory position in the cytomat 5C.

Easy-to-use liquid handler that allows for exchange of liquid in 96-well or 384-well formats for changing media, adding compounds, setting up qPCR plates, making plate dilutions, washing plates, fixing plates, staining plates, etc.

The FDSS700ex is an advanced high throughput screening-dispense and imaging sytem for cell-based assays. The instrument optically detects intracellular reaction and biological signal transmissions to discover new lead compounds, which could be candidates for new drugs. Using adherent, suspension or primary cells the FDSS700 is capable of detecting intracellular Ca2+ ion, membrane potential, ion channel. 

The Maestro multielectrode array technology (Axion Biosystems) enables analysis of neural networks and electroactive tissue at unprecedented throughput and scale. This system is ideal for large-scale cellular analysis in drug screening applications and for phenotyping human neurons.

3D/4D visualization and analysis for cell based segmentation, automated tracking, detection, interactive lineage trees and statistical tests (for customization in Matlab, Java or Python).

The base of this system is a standard confocal microscope suitable. Also available at the system is the Leica TCS SP8 STED ONE with white-light laser, for super-resolution STED imaging. 

Equipped with an incubator unit and automated stage, this system allows long term imaging of living samples.

Epifluorescence microscope offering DIC, UV, GFP, RFP, YFP, CFP and CY5 fluorescence.  

This instrument has a MaiTai tuneable IR laser and 2 channel GaAsP non-descanned detector for multiphoton imaging. Laser lines include 453, 488, 514, 561, 594 and 633.

The MACSQuant VYB is a versatile 3 laser, 10-parameter flow cytometer that has enhanced capabilities for detection of fluorescent protein reporters. It is a fully operated instrument capable of running multi-tube, 96 and 384 plates. 

This instrument is capable of measuring 15 parameters, providing higher flexibility in experiment design for sorting. It is equipped with a 561 and 449 Laser line permitting detecting of Mcherry and cyan protein. This instrument provide all the great features we come to expect with the FACSAria sorters such as customized speed, multi population, variety of collection vessels and index sorting.

This Aria is located in CLS building room 15037. It is inside a self-contain hood allowing for sorting of Primary Human in a complete sterile environment. The CLS-Aria is a bench-top high-speed sorter with fixed- alignment cuvette flow cell for high fluorescence sensitivity.

This Aria can be operated by our staff or users who have been trained and certified by our facility. It is bench-top high-speed sorter with fixed- alignment cuvette flow cell for high fluorescence sensitivity.

Fluorescence detection for quantification using Picogreen or Ribogreen.